By: JB Ricks
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A flower still wet from the afternoon rain at the front porch of Julia's home. Julia Louise is 77 and lives in Covington, Georgia with her daughter, Julie.
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Julia washes out a flower pot before putting a new one in it. "I bought a new one today and want to have a good place for it." she says.
Julia grabs a bag of moss to put in her pot. Peat moss is used in potted plants because it holds moisture to help with overwatering.
Julia puts on some gloves before pouring the bag of moss. "I'm glad the rain let up so I can get this done today." she says.
Julia opens a bag of potting soil to mix with the moss. Peat moss is good to mix with soil because it helps hold onto nutrients within the soil.
Julia mixes the soil and moss with her hands. "This is what the gloves are for." she says.
Julia takes the flower she bought out of it's store pot. It rained heavily about an hour before she planned on repotting it so she was happy she had the opportunity to do this.
Julia tucks extra soil into her new Calibrachoa. Calibrachoa's are short-lived perennials with small petunia type flowers.
Julia cuts dead or unwanted buds from the Calibrachoa. She does this using a pair of gardening shears, but you can do this with anything with an edge.
Julia continues to prune her new Calibrachoa. She has kept basketed plants on her front and back porch because they're "easy and fun to take care of," says Julie.
Julia finishes touching up her new plant. "I've already picked a good spot for it." she says.
One of Julia's plants on her front porch. "I think the rain was good for them." she says.
Julia moves on to her small garden within her yard. I'm good at growing tomatoes but my beans aren't doing well." she admits.
Julia inspects a tomato she picked, most of the tomatoes in the background are still green. You can tell if a tomato is ripe by the color and feel of it, red and firm tomatoes are good to pick.
Julia is surprised by a cherry tomato she found split. Cherry tomatoes' are small and easy to grow.
Julia moves onto her okra plants in her garden. "I like frying okra the most." she says.
Julia cuts okra from the stem of a plant. The leaves of the okra plant have small spikes or "spines" on them that can cause irritation to the skin so it's a good idea to wear gloves while gathering.
Julie finishes up gathering okra for the day. Like most vegetables, okra is really good for you and is rich in vitamins C and A.
Julia looks back to her house with her gathered okra in hand. "I think we both need a cup of water." she says.
A view of Julies flowers and garden from her front door. "I can't wait until tulips are in season again." she says.
